In the words of our favorite mustachioed, thickheaded and passionate woodworker, Ron Swanson, “Clear alcohols are for rich women on diets”. Throughout all seven hilarious seasons as the boss on Parks and Recreation, you’ll see Ron throwing back whiskey almost as much as Leslie Knope inhales waffles. Plus, whiskey doesn’t contain any fat (the word whiskey comes from the Gaelic uisge beatha, meaning “water of life”) and it's rich in antioxidants.

As the all-American, sweeter first cousin of whiskey, bourbon is made with distilled grain, 51% of which is corn, and water. Today we bring you a few delectable bourbon cocktail recipes from Four Roses Bourbon, whose Yellow Label Bourbon is perfect for creating the springtime cocktail, with a fruity and floral aroma and a crisp and smooth palate with hints of apple and fresh fruit. And for the more...relaxed bourbon cocktail enthusiasts, we also included a few NYC bars and restaurants to find similar cocktails for effortless enjoyment.

Bourbon Spiked Sweet Tea Lemonade

Perfect for summer and laying poolside, this Bourbon spiked Sweet Tea-Lemonade is basically an adult Arnold Palmer made with Southern-style sweet tea. Refreshing and Relaxing!

Makes around 6-8 drinks

Ingredients

4 black tea bags

1 cup sugar

7 cups water (1 for simple syrup and 6 for tea)

1 cup lemon juice

½ cup Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon

Ice cubes

I teaspoon fresh crushed ginger

1 tablespoon honey

1 lemon for garnish

Directions

In a medium sized saucepan boil 6 cups of water. In the meantime, in a small saucepan, make the simple syrup by boiling 1 cup of water with one cup of sugar. Once it starts to boil remove your simple syrup from heat and let cool. Place the tea bags in a pitcher or large container and pour the boiling water over them. Add honey and ginger to the tea. After you allow the tea to steep for a few minutes, put the pitcher in the fridge until cold. Now combine lemon juice with one cup of simple syrup and place it in the fridge until cold.

Now it’s time to assemble your cocktail:

Take a large glass and fill it with ice. Fill it halfway with tea and almost to the top with lemonade. Add two shots of bourbon (or more depending on your mood) and mix well. Enjoy this thirst quenching cocktail with a few slices of lemon for citrusy flavor and garnish!

For a cocktail similar to our Bourbon Spiked Sweet Tea Lemonade head over to Bourbon Street Bar & Grille, a New Orleans and Southern Louisiana inspired restaurant in the bustling Theatre District, for a Spiked Arnold Palmer.

346 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036

Nutty Bourbon Milk Punch

This creamy bourbon beverage is a classic New Orleans brunch drink and could also be an ideal cozy bedtime cocktail. Traditionally made with brandy, bourbon is just as comforting and the almond extract in place of vanilla adds a slight nutty flavor.

Mix together the bourbon, sugar (or simple syrup), milk and almond extract with cracked ice in a cocktail shaker and shake enough to froth the milk. Pour into a glass, some might suggest a couple glass, and garnish with nutmeg.

If you loved this recipe for a Nutty Bourbon Milk Punch but would rather leave it to the professionals, PDT (Please Don’t Tell) serves a Cereal Milk Punch using Momofuku Milk Bar's Cereal Milk, Bernheim Wheat Whiskey, Glen Thunder Corn Whiskey, Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur and nutmeg. PDT is an intimate and dimly lit speakeasy on St. Marks Place where you’ll enter through a phone booth in Crif Dogs and if you make a reservation ahead of time you'll be allowed inside.

113 St. Marks Place New York, NY 10009

Fruity and Sweet Strawberry Mint Julep

This cocktail is historically served as a Mint Julep (consisting of bourbon, mint leaf, simple syrup and water) and often referred to as a classic Southern drink and time-honored Kentucky Derby tradition. For a fruity twist, add fresh strawberries and honey for a bright red splash to any dinner table.

Serves 2

Ingredients

4 teaspoons simple syrup

2 tablespoons honey (optional)

6 large strawberries

16 mint leaves

4 ounces Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon

Cracked Ice

Extra mint leaves, for garnish

Two strawberries, for garnish

Directions

Place two teaspoons of the simple syrup into the glass, a rocks glass is usually best. Add three of the strawberries and muddle them until you have a strawberry puree consistency. Add about eight mint leaves and continue to muddle until the leaves are softened and combined with the strawberry puree, making sure not to overwork them. Add one tablespoon of the honey and stir. Add the bourbon, fill the glass half way with cracked ice and stir to combine. Add more ice if you still have room in your glass. Garnish your glass with a strawberry and a few sprigs of mint.

For a unique spin on a Mint Julep, Fig & Olive, a spacious and trendy Mediterranean restaurant with an upscale vibe in the heart of Meatpacking, makes a Fig & Walnut Julep. They use Bourbon, Elderflower liquor, Port, muddled black mission figs, mint and lime and garnish with shaved walnuts.